Our History

Rooted in the Mission

Mission Neighborhood Health Center (MNHC) was founded as a health center in 1967 to respond to the healthcare needs of low-income families in the Mission neighborhood community in San Francisco. From the humble beginnings of delivering care in a trailer in the parking lot at our Shotwell Street site for $1 per visit, we have grown to become an integral part of the community.

Each year, MNHC serves nearly 18,000 patients at its four sites in the Mission and Excelsior neighborhoods of San Francisco. MNHC delivers primary health care services across the life-cycle including prenatal care, pediatrics, teen services, family planning, women's health services and adult and senior medicine. MNHC also provides specialized HIV services at its Clínica Esperanza and a program of support and health services to the homeless through our Mission Neighborhood Resource Center.

A Timeline of Service

1. 1967

   Founded as a Free Clinic

   MNHC opens to respond to President Johnson's Medicare/Medicaid era and the healthcare needs of low-income families in San Francisco's Mission District. Patients are seen in a trailer in the parking lot at Shotwell Street for $1 per visit.

2. 1970s

   Growing Alongside the Community

   As 49.5 million Americans enroll in Medicare/Medicaid, MNHC expands its services to meet increasing demand — continuing the tradition of collecting just $1 per patient visit and providing care regardless of ability to pay.

3. 1980s

   Clínica Esperanza Opens

   With 8,000 HIV cases in the United States, MNHC opens Clínica Esperanza — a dedicated HIV/AIDS clinic — to address the growing epidemic and provide a safe, compassionate haven for affected community members.

4. 1990s

   Expanding HIV & Confidential Testing

   MNHC expands confidential HIV testing services as AIDS cases among Latino/Hispanic populations run nearly three times higher than non-Latino Whites, reflecting the health equity crisis in the communities MNHC serves.

5. 2000s

   Federally Qualified Health Center

   MNHC achieves Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) designation, unlocking enhanced federal funding and cementing its mission to provide primary care to medically underserved populations across the Mission and Excelsior neighborhoods.

6. 2022+

   Expanding Access & Services

   The Shotwell Street dental practice becomes fully owned by MNHC. A new Excelsior Clinic opens at Islais Place, and new acupuncture services are added — continuing the commitment to comprehensive, whole-person care.